I'm looking for a small ATV for yard work. My wife will use it mostly. Something that won't tear up the lawn, auto trans or at least an auto clutch, reverse. Would the Bayou 220 be good?

 

If you want something that wont tear up the lawn. You will need a ATV that has a differential not a straight axle..

 

Can you name a few that have a differential?

 

The only ones I know are some Polaris models with "turf mode" but there in the 500-800 cc range. I think they made a 330cc with it also. Here is a you tube on how they work.YouTube - Polaris Turf mode diferencial

 

The only 1 I know of (besides the Polaris) is the 2006 and earlier Jetmoto Hunter 250. Its ok for real light use but has a weak rear end...any moderate use and it will break..And since its only available used, there is no way I would recommend you buy 1.

Id look for a Polaris..

 

If you used a tire like this on the Bayou, you would be ok.

Golf Cart Tire — 18 x 850 x 8 Sawtooth | Turf Wheels | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

I've been using a non-diff rear axle small tractor on my lawn for years and it doesn't tear up the lawn at all even when I make super tight turns around trees. It has turf tires though.

Since the OP posted here at Kawi forum, I would suggest a P360 over a Bayou 220 which is now called 250. P360 costs more but it has way more features than 220/250 which is basically a bored-out 185 first introduced in 1985, very old design. If you would be pulling anything heavy, upgrade to 650 level. Important thing is to use lawn friendly tires.